Adding knowledge to zeal

With a growing conviction that “It is not good to have zeal without knowledge” (Proverbs 19:2), I have reapplied myself to study lately.

I have been reading books like “Poor Story” by Giles Bolton on how globalisation and good intentions have failed the world’s poor (and what we can do about it), and “Economics Today – A Christian critique” by Donald A. Hay (a slow read). Also personal stories like “The Urban Halo” by Craig Greenfield on his life and work in the slums of Cambodia, empowering communities for orphan care.

I have resubscribed to e-newsletters by a range of organisations from Christian-based groups like sojourners to the “think tank” Australia Institute. I’ve even forked out a bit of cash to renew my subscription to New Internationalist – an independent magazine focused on justice issues. Meanwhile, my “favourites” list of websites on fighting poverty is growing out of control!

These have all served to enrich my mind and stir our consciences, creating some quite challenging discussion about our response (my husband and I had to limit our evening conversations to ensure we get enough sleep!). In addition to adjusting our lifestyle and attitudes, I am hoping one day my Marketing degree, career in public policy and experiences here in Cambodia will combine for some use in the justice movement.

In the meantime, I am currently working through a book “Not for Sale” by David Batstone about the modern day slave trade of an estimated 27 million people (that’s more than the population of Australia!). As I read horrifying accounts of trafficked sex slaves and generations of bonded slaves within Cambodia, I am often left deeply disturbed and need to put it down for a couple of days to ponder my role in all this.

Then last weekend, I unintentionally mentioned something to my husband Steve about the child soldiers of Uganda while my own children were in the room. Our seven year old son wanted to know more. Keenly aware that I could cause him more worry, I kicked myself for my stupidity and carefully explained a little about it. In conclusion, I encouraged him not to despair because there is something we can do about the injustices of this world. His decisive reply was “Mummy. I want to help you”.

Then yesterday, when his five year old sister was planning her upcoming birthday extravaganza, he told me “Mum. You can choose what we do for my birthday like what to eat and where to have it. I’ll even be happy for it to be on the roof”. When I asked, “Are you trying to make less work for Mummy?”, he nodded.

When told I was going to my first meeting tonight with a group, Christians for Social Justice, he said "Good. I'm very happy about that."

As my passion for nuturing my children and working for social justice comes together, the challenge for this Mum will be to gently add knowledge to the zeal of her young abolitionist.